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Loss of sight or hearing could mean more compensation

On behalf of Angiuli & Gentile, LLP posted in Workplace Accidents on Wednesday, November 25, 2015.

Obviously, any type of injury suffered due to work-related functions or activities is unfortunate, which is why workers' compensation exists. Individuals who strain their backs doing heavy lifting, for example, should not then be left to fend for themselves when they can no longer do their jobs because of injuries they suffered while doing their jobs. Like many injuries, there are varying degrees of severity when it comes to on-the-job injuries. Among the most severe are loss of use injuries.

Loss of use injuries involve serious work-related injuries that are more than bruises or broken bones that will heal over time. These injuries involve health issues that will never heal, from which you will never recover, specifically loss of vision or loss of hearing. Facial scarring and disfigurement can also be included in loss of use injuries.

These injuries are not only severe because they will never fully heal, but because they affect more than just your ability to perform the functions of your job. Loss of sight or hearing will affect your entire life, making you unable to engage in some of the recreational activities you once enjoyed, and possibly even putting a strain on your relationships. It is for this reason that special provisions are provided that allow for extra awards in such circumstances.

If you are injured in a workplace accident, you could be entitled to more than simple workers' compensation. A scheduled loss of use award could increase the amount of compensation you receive in order to cope with your injuries. Enlisting the aid of an attorney will help ensure that the true extent of your injuries is demonstrated so that you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. This is particularly important in states like New York, where there are caps placed on the benefits an injured worker can recover depending on the extent of injuries. If you have suffered a workplace injury that cost you loss of sight, hearing or even loss of limbs, visit our webpage to learn how we can help you recover additional compensation for your injuries.

Success Stories

A 43 year old ironworker who fell four stories and sustained injuries to his ankle while installing a staircase settled his
claim for $1,500,000.00. The accident was due to the failure of the building owner and general contractor to provide a safe place to work.

A construction worker operating an asphalt roller settled his
case for $525,000.00 when the edge of the roadway he was paving collapsed into a trench being dug by a subcontractor causing him to sustain injuries to his leg.

A 54 year old commuter settled his
case against the NYCTA for $1,200,000.00. when he tripped and fell on a subway platform due to the pavement being in disrepair, causing him to fall forward and to strike his head on a train pulling into the station.

The estate of a 64 year old woman
received a settlement of $425,000.00 after she was struck and killed by a speeding tractor trailer while crossing the street at the intersection of Richmond Terrace and Port Richmond Avenue.

A $1,200,000.00 settlement was reached on behalf of a 54 year old man from Staten Island, New York, who, while in the course of his employment as a bus driver, was rear-ended on the Garden State Parkway and caused to suffer injuries to his back and neck as well as a fractured rib and fractured pelvis.

A 47-year-old building superintendent who sustained injuries to his head and right side of his body due to a tripping hazard at his job site
received a settlement of $300,000.00 from the electrical company performing work at the site.

A 43 year old construction worker was caused to sustain injuries to his back, shoulder and hand when the elevator he was riding malfunctioned and dropped 8 floors. He
received $350,000.00 in the settlement of his claim against the building owner, maintenance company and elevator company.

The administrator of the estate of a 69 year old man who suffered stage four pressure sores while a patient at a Queens nursing home
settled the case for $400,000.00 after the man died.